1953 Austin A 40 vs. 2003 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2003 Smart Roadster is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,200 cc (4 cylinders), 1953 Austin A 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Smart Roadster (81 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1953 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Smart Roadster should accelerate faster than 1953 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1953 Austin A 40 weights approximately 105 kg more than 2003 Smart Roadster.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2003 Smart Roadster (110 Nm @ 2250 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Smart Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Austin A 40 | 2003 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Austin | Smart |
| Model | A 40 | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1953 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 67 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2370 mm |
